Maya Ellison
Plastic septic tanks are a crucial component of a home's plumbing and wastewater management system. They are used to treat and dispose of wastewater from households not connected to a public sewer. Before installing a plastic septic tank, it is important to carefully design the entire system, taking into account factors such as property boundaries, regulations regarding underground wastewater flow, and the results of a percolation test to determine ground suitability. Once the necessary permits and approvals have been obtained, installation can begin. This typically involves excavating a pit based on the tank's dimensions, placing the tank inside, and filling it with water. Plumbing and piping connections are then made, followed by backfilling and final inspections to ensure compliance with regulations. Plastic septic tanks offer advantages such as ease of installation, waterproofing, and resistance to tree root damage, but they may also face challenges like floating in waterlogged areas and having lower effluent levels compared to concrete tanks.
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What You'll Learn
Excavate a pit per the septic tank's dimensions
Excavating a pit for a plastic septic tank is a crucial step in the installation process. Before you start digging, it is essential to carefully plan and design your entire septic system, taking into account various factors that will impact the dimensions of the pit.
Firstly, you must determine the number of occupants or users of the septic system. The number of people living in the household directly influences the size of the septic tank and, consequently, the dimensions of the pit. A general guideline is that a septic tank for 1-2 people should be 750-1,000 gallons, for 3-5 people it should be 1,000-1,250 gallons, and for 6 or more people, it should be 1,500 gallons or more.
Daily water usage is another critical factor in determining pit dimensions. On average, a person uses about 70-100 gallons of water per day. Therefore, when calculating the total water usage for your household, be sure to consider factors such as water-efficient appliances and outdoor water use.
Additionally, the characteristics of the soil in which the system will be installed are important. Conduct a percolation test to determine the soil's absorption capacity. Fast-draining soil, such as sandy soil, requires a smaller soak pit, while slow-draining soil, like clay, needs a larger one.
When you have determined the required dimensions for your septic tank based on these factors, you can begin excavating the pit. Ensure that you dig exactly to the dimensions of the plastic septic tank, leaving no gaps on the sides. This precision is essential to prevent the tank from floating if the water level drops below the tank. The top level of the septic tank should also be slightly lower than the ground level, so be sure to excavate accordingly.
Lastly, if the area is too waterlogged, lay a hardcore base in the pit, no thicker than 200 mm, and do sand blinding before placing the tank. This will provide a stable foundation for your plastic septic tank.
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Place the tank inside the pit
Once you have designed your entire system carefully, obtained the necessary permits and approvals, and excavated the pit, you can place the plastic septic tank inside.
Firstly, if the area where you are placing the tank is too waterlogged, lay a hardcore base in the pit, no thicker than 200mm, and sand-blind before placing the tank. To safely put the tank inside the pit, tie a rope around it and use a pulley to lower it into place without damaging it. Do not attempt to lift it by hand, as it is quite heavy and may slip and break.
After placing the tank in the pit, immediately fill it with water to prevent folding during backfilling. You can use a water pump or any other means to fill the tank to full capacity.
The next step is to install the piping from the septic tank to the drainage field. The layout and depth should follow the design specifications to ensure efficient waste treatment and dispersal. Carefully backfill around the tank and pipes, avoiding damage. Compaction should be done cautiously to prevent settling or damage to the tank and piping.
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Fill the tank with water
Filling your plastic septic tank with water is an important step in the installation process. Firstly, it is essential to understand that the size of your tank should be based on the size of your home. If you have a larger home, you will need a bigger tank.
Once you have excavated the pit and placed the plastic septic tank inside, you should fill it with water immediately. This is to prevent the tank from floating when water levels outside the tank are high. You can use a water pump or any other means to fill the tank to its full capacity. This is a crucial step, and it must be done before you cover the tank with its lids.
Water inside the tank helps with the breakdown process of solid waste in your septic system. The average person uses 70 gallons of water per day, so depending on the usage and number of people in your household, it will take a certain amount of time for the tank to fill with fluid.
It is important to note that excessive water usage can lead to the tank filling up too quickly, which may cause issues. Therefore, it is recommended to be mindful of water usage and avoid leaving the water running unnecessarily. Additionally, ensure that only appropriate waste is flushed down the drains to prevent clogs and damage to your septic system.
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Install the piping from the tank to the drainage field
Installing the piping from the tank to the drainage field is a crucial step in setting up a plastic septic tank. Before beginning this step, it is essential to ensure that you have carefully planned and designed your entire septic system, taking into account factors such as property boundaries and groundwater levels. Remember, local regulations may require you to obtain permits and approvals before proceeding with the installation.
Once you have completed the necessary preparations, you can begin installing the piping. Firstly, identify the location of your drainage field, also known as the leach field or absorption field. This field consists of a series of perforated pipes buried underground, allowing the treated wastewater to slowly release into the soil.
When installing the piping, it is important to use the correct materials. The inlet and outlet pipes should be at least 4-inch diameter Schedule 40 PVC, cast iron, or other approved materials. These pipes must be protected by baffles or sanitary tees made of acid-resistant concrete, acid-resistant fibreglass, or plastic. The baffles or tees prevent floating scum and solids from entering the absorption field or inlet pipe, ensuring they remain clear and functional.
As you install the piping, make sure to slope the pipe at a minimum of 1/4-inch per foot towards the drainage field. This slope prevents clogging and ensures that the wastewater flows smoothly through the pipes. Additionally, install cleanouts every 50 feet or wherever the pipe turns corners sharper than 45 degrees. These cleanouts provide access for maintenance and cleaning of the pipes.
Finally, remember to include inspection pipes above the baffles or tees. These pipes should extend to the ground surface and be capped when not in use. They provide access for checking solid levels and clogs in the system. By following these detailed steps, you can effectively install the piping from the plastic septic tank to the drainage field, ensuring proper wastewater management for your home.
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Have a professional inspect the setup
While it is possible to install a plastic septic tank yourself, there are several benefits to having a professional inspect your setup. Firstly, a professional will be able to determine whether your system complies with local regulations. For example, a septic system professional will be able to assess whether your septic tank placement is in compliance with regulations regarding how close wastewater can flow to your neighbour's property. They will also be able to advise on any local health department requirements, such as minimum setback distances from your foundation.
Secondly, a professional will be able to assess whether your tank has been installed correctly and is safe. This includes checking for any damage that may have occurred during installation, such as a dislodged plug, which can have serious consequences if not identified and rectified.
Thirdly, a professional will be able to provide guidance on the maintenance of your tank. For example, they can advise on how often your tank should be pumped out, which depends on several factors, including tank size, the number of people in the household, water use habits, and the amount of solid waste in the tank. They can also advise on the maintenance of other components of your septic system, such as an effluent filter, which may require frequent maintenance and should be included in inspection and maintenance activities.
Finally, a professional will be able to provide advice on any permits or approvals that may be required for your setup. For example, if your plastic septic tank installation includes a pump, a professional electrician will be required to ensure that you are up to code with state regulations.
Overall, having a professional inspect your plastic septic tank setup can provide peace of mind that your system is safe, compliant with regulations, and correctly maintained, helping to avoid any expensive issues in the future.
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Frequently asked questions
First, you must ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials. You will need a septic tank, perforated pipes for the drainage field, gravel for the drainage field, PVC pipes for connecting the tank to your home's plumbing system, concrete risers and lids (if not included with the tank), a shovel and other digging tools, a level tool, plumbing wrenches and connectors, and protective gear such as gloves and safety glasses.
You will need to do a percolation test on the soils in the area where your plastic septic tank installation will be located. This test will determine whether the ground is suitable for a plastic tank and what type of structural precautions you will need to make to ensure that the tank does not crack under the pressure of the ground around it. Once you have these tests done, you can design an appropriate septic system for your home and submit your designs and applications for permits and approvals required by your local government.
Set out and excavate the pit where you will place the septic tank based on its dimensions. The top level of the septic tank must be slightly lower than the ground level. After placing the tank inside the pit, immediately fill it with water to prevent folding at the time of backfilling.
Install the piping from the septic tank to the drainage field. The layout and depth should follow the design specifications to ensure efficient waste treatment and dispersal. Carefully backfill around the tank and pipes, avoiding damage. Have a final inspection done by a professional or local inspector to ensure everything complies with the regulations and is correctly installed. After approval, cover the tank and drain field area with soil.
